A new Australian Government-funded research initiative focused on land restoration in Kenya was launched today with an AUD 3.5 million (KSH 287 million) commitment. The project unveiled by Dr. Jane Njuguna, Director of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) in Nairobi, aims to boost regreening efforts across the country.
Supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), this collaborative project involves key partners, including World Vision Australia, World Vision Kenya, KEFRI, the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR-ICRAF), the University of Nairobi, and the United Nations University.
The project aims to explore effective adaptation strategies that enhance community-driven regreening initiatives and accelerate the restoration of degraded landscapes in Kenya.
Dr. Jane Njuguna, Director of KEFRI, highlighted that, “Climate change is having a global impact, and Kenya is no exception, with its effects being felt across all sectors of social and economic development.”
She added that,the ‘regreening for the Future’ initiative builds on long-standing partnerships with institutions and researchers in both Australia and Eastern Africa.
“This project will empower farmers and researchers with the knowledge and tools necessary for developing sustainable regreening strategies that are adaptable to the evolving climate,” she said adding that the project will also investigate policies and support structures that enable communities to restore degraded landscapes, enhance food security, and build resilience against climate change.
This significant initiative aligns with Kenya’s government goals of restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded land and increasing tree cover to 32% by 2032, as part of the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR 1000) and the Bonn Challenge.
At the same time, Professor Wendy Umberger, Chief Executive of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, emphasized that “ Agricultural challenges in Africa and Australia are often shared, and Australia’s agricultural innovation system has valuable expertise that can benefit the African context. We also recognise the immense knowledge that Africa offers in this space. As climate change intensifies land degradation, community-led regreening efforts must be climate-ready.”
Umberger reiterated that the ‘Regreening for the Future’ project is a direct investment in the people—farmers, scientists, and policymakers—who are key to driving these changes. This initiative is part of a broader commitment from the Australian Government through ACIAR to support agricultural research and capacity-building in Africa.
Gilbert Kamanga, National Director of World Vision Kenya noted that they are committed to restoring landscapes and building resilient communities to ensure a sustainable future for children, families, and communities.
The ‘Regreening for the Future’ project is a timely and transformative initiative that will empower farmers and communities with the knowledge, tools, and policy support needed to restore degraded ecosystems and enhance food security.
“We are grateful for the partnership with the Australian Government, World Vision Australia, CIFOR-ICRAF and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) as we work together to empower communities to sustain a greener, more resilient future.”he said.
